Looking ahead to this season, here are the best positional units across the FBS:

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Offensive backfield—Oregon

The Ducks will surround quarterback Marcus Mariota with running backs Byron Marshal, Thomas Tyner and freshman Royce Freeman. Mariota told USA TODAY Sports, "I think Royce Freeman, a guy who just got to campus, will be a huge tool for us. We'll see what his role is, but that guy's a physical freak." Mariota's the preseason favorite for the Heisman Trophy. Meanwhile, Marshall, Tyner and Freeman could combine for 2,250 yards or more on the ground.

The Crimson Tide's receiver corps is headlined by junior Amari Cooper, an All-America candidate, but defined by terrific depth out wide and at tight end. When it comes to tight end, sophomore O.J. Howard could join Cooper as a postseason All-American.

2. Florida State

3. Baylor

Offensive line—Florida State

(Photo: Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports)

This is the nation's sturdiest offensive front by a distinct margin. Between Tre' Jackson, Josue Matias and Cameron Erving, the Seminoles will do a superb job building a wall around quarterback Jameis Winston.

2. Texas A&M

3. Stanford

Defensive line—Ohio State

(Photo: Jerry Lai Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports)

The Buckeyes' front is loaded with depth and star power. Senior tackle Michael Bennett lands the most acclaim, but keep an eye on sophomore Joey Bosa, who could end the year as the best defensive end in the Big Ten Conference.

2. Clemson

3. Florida State

Linebackers—Georgia

(Photo: Dale Zanine Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports)

The Bulldogs will take their defensive cue from linebackers Ramik Wilson, Jordan Jenkins and Amarlo Herrera. Wilson's already one of the nation's best at the position, but Georgia's group could dominate the SEC should Jenkins live up to his potential.

2. Alabama

3. Oklahoma

Defensive backs—Florida State

(Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports)

This secondary will keep rolling along even without two of last season's key contributors. The rest of the rotation returns, led by cornerback Ronald Darby and safety Jalen Ramsey. When teamed with a fantastic front seven, the Seminoles' defensive backfield is going to have a field day.

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Wisconsin Badgers running back Melvin Gordon. Gordon scorched defenses last year for 1,609 rushing yards and 12 TDs. Look for him to be the focus of a Badgers offense looking to wreak havoc in the Big Ten.
Jeff Hanisch, USA TODAY Sports

Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota. In 2013, Mariota threw for 3,665 yards and 31 touchdowns and ran for 715 yards and nine touchdowns. He skipped a chance at the NFL draft for another year at Oregon. The goal: a national championship.
Scott Olmos, USA TODAY Sports

UCLA Bruins quarterback Brett Hundley threw for 3,071 yards and 24 touchdowns and ran for 748 yards and 11 TDs. Hundley is the foundation of a dynamic offense for the Bruins, who have their sights set on a Pac-12 title.
Andrew Weber, USA TODAY Sports

Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston. Winston hopes to lead FSU to a successful defense of its national championship after for 4,057 yards and 30 touchdowns last season.
Melina Vastola, USA TODAY Sports

Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley. As half of GurShall, the 1-2 running back combo with Keith Marshall, Gurley ran for 989 yards and 10 TDs last season. This year, expect Gurley to get even more touches as Marshall is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
Dale Zanine, USA TODAY Sports

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Braxton Miller. He threw for 2,094 yards and 24 touchdowns and ran for 1,068 yards and 12 TDs last year. Look for Ohio State to compete for the Big Ten championship behind the play of No. 5
Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports

Clemson Tigers defensive end Vic Beasley. He had 13 sacks and four forced fumbles in 2013. With offensive leaders Sammy Watkins and Tajh Boyd gone, Beasley will have to keep up his stellar defensive performance and help the TIgers as much as possible.
Joshua S. Kelly, USA TODAY Sports

Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Landon Collins. He had 69 total tackles and two interceptions for the Tide. Collins will be an integral part of an Alabama team that expects national championships.
Eileen Blass, USA TODAY Sports

Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Eric Striker. He finished last season with 50 total tackles and 6.5 sacks. Striker looks to lead the Sooners back to national championship contention.
Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports